Monday, 28 November 2016

Knit Simple has released its Winter 2016 issue. Let's have a look at the easy knits therein, shall we?

These knitted caps are simple and attractive.

These mitts aren't bad on the whole, but I think I'd omit the flaring cuffs and end (or begin) the mitts at the ribbing.

Not bad. I can't help wishing that fair isle pattern were a touch more subtle and complex.

Sweet little child's cardigan.

This hanging looks like a thrift shop seventies-era poncho someone hung on the wall.

Attractive and eye-catching afghan.

Very basic yarn basket. I suspect that one would have to keep it full of yarn or it would flop over.

A very smart pair of throw pillows.

These look like random swaths of knitting thrown randomly about a model's neck.

This model appears to have gotten her head stuck in her current knitting project which, whatever it is, was intended to be something other than a headband.

Boot toppers came out a few years back and I still haven't come around to liking them much, as I often do with new trends. I think I'd like these better if they were on a different kind of boot, such as something taller.

This is very basic, though I suppose it's useful enough. If you're knitting something very simple and easy, going with an interesting or beautiful yarn can be a good way to elevate the look of it to the next level.

Your basic oversized stocking cap.

Some simple warm socks.

This isn't a bad little tote bag, but it would need to be lined with fabric to keep it from stretching to hell and back.

Quite a pretty scarf. I like the lattice stitch.

This is a rather fun little topper for a simple, casual outfit.

A nice-looking heavy scarf with some decent texture.

Furry yarn does lend itself nicely to simple scarves. This scarf is made with a slit in it to help secure the scarf, but I'd just make it long enough to slipknot around the neck instead.

Classic ribbed sweater vest.

I prefer this one to the last one, as the stitchwork in this one is so much more interesting. I'm wondering if this photo and the previous ones are two sides of the same design, but I hope not, as I don't think they work together.

This one's rather a handsome piece. I like the combination of classic cables and ribs with the modern zipper.

Not such a fan of this one. The shaping is off, and whoever knitted this vest didn't pick up enough stitches around the neck, with the result that the neckband is pulling the horizontal stripes askew.

Killarney Tunic. A simple tunic like this could be a useful piece in a woman's wardrobe. You might want to adjust the length of this one to the wearer's height, as a lot of women would find it difficult to carry off a long line piece. The idea is to make a tunic rather than something that presents as a shrunken dress.

Belfast Cardigan. This one's just about perfect -- it sits so well, and the cables are so well-plotted. I love the shawl collar.

Ennis Pullover. Unsurprisingly for what is clearly an Irish-themed set of designs (see the pattern names), the designers have gone all out on the classic cabled sweater.

Donegal Sweater. Love the diamond stitchwork in this one, and the shaping is very good.

Newcastle Cardigan. Strikingly attractive and unique.

Bray Cardigan. Another classic cabled cardigan.

Solstice Capelet. A lovely little capelet. This could be perfectly wearable for those of us who have no intention (or, er, opportunity) of getting married too.

Waxwing Shawl. A pretty and ethereal shawl.

Brambling Topper. What a pretty, lacy top.

Juul Cardigan. I wish I could be more certain of the design of this one -- it's difficult to tell what's going on in the front. It does look a little too much on the clumsy and bulky side to me.

Snow Bunting Jacket. This one would be a stunning piece to wear over a simple bridal gown or other dressy outfit. The lace work is gorgeous and the lines are simple yet stylish.

Maria's Veil. This one looks like quite a high-impact bridal accessory in the photo, but I have my suspicions as to how well it would remain in place if the wearer weren't clutching at it the way this model is. It is an undeniably impressive piece of lacework regardless. Also, if the name is a nod to The Sound of Music... well-played, Interweave Knits.

Friday, 11 November 2016

Yesterday was this blog's fourth, or "fruits and flowers", anniversary. I did a post of selected floral-themed knits for May Day several years back, which means my anniversary post be all about fruit-themed designs. These are the Citrus Mittens, designed by Kris Knits. I love the artistic and realistic level of detail in them.

Kid's Fruit Cap. These little fruit cap patterns are so ubiquitous on the knitting scene I had to include them. It's easy to understand why: they are cute, quick and easy to make, and very versatile, because one can change the kind of fruit represented by changing the colour and by adding or removing seed stitches as desired.

How cute are these are the Watermelon Socks, designed by Wendy Gaal? I can't believe I like them so much -- I am not a goofy socks person, and I hate watermelon.

Apple Cloth. I wish I liked using knitting dishcloths, as I'd then have an excuse to make some of the many, many dishcloth patterns that are out there, but I'm a J-cloth woman to the bone. The pattern for this one isn't available any longer, but it would be dead easy to recreate the pattern from this picture.

These Strawberry Booties, by Hrönn Jónsdóttir, are what the well-dressed baby wears to the Strawberry Festival.

The Grapevine Hat, by Amy Loberg. I love these rich, warm colourways for winter wear.

The Strawberry Top, by Ewelina Murach. This is simple, wearable, and cute, but I think I'd do the strawberry outline in duplicate stitch or even in intarsia rather than crocheting it on top.

The Watermelon Cardigan, designed by Kerstin Olsson. This is a Bohus Stickning pattern from 1961, and you might have some difficulty tracking down a pattern for it, but I had to include it because I love the way the beautiful colourway evokes a watermelon slice without being too literal.

The Strawberry Mittens, designed by Natalia Moreva. In the midst of winter, you can find an invincible summer, not only within you, but also on your hands. Top that, Albert Camus.

А компот?!, by Natalia Moreva. It's no coincidence that so many of the items in this post are mittens. Mittens are like little canvases for knitters, and they're also perfect places to run with a whimsical, intricate motif that might look too juvenile or be too much work on a larger item like a sweater.

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If you enjoy The Knitting Needle and the Damage Done, you might like to check out my other two blogs: Modwardian, a blog about the things I make; and The Orange Swan Review, a book review and personal essay blog.